Wintergrass 2013 Performers

The Student Loan is an internationally touring bluegrass band that has been recognized by Jazz at Lincoln Center as the cutting edge of American roots music. They have worked extensively as musical ambassadors for the U.S. State Department and have performed in 16 countries on 5 continents. Borrowing heavily from a wide variety of styles their original music mixes catchy bluegrass melodies with classical and jamband forms to create an innovative new acoustic musical style distinctly their own.

In the United States The Student Loan has appeared with prominent national and regional acts including Sam Bush, Greensky Bluegrass, The Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars, Alejandro Escovedo, eKoostik Hookah, and The Ragbirds, and were featured alongside Larry Keel at the 2008 Appalachian Uprising All-Star Bluegrass Jam.

Formed in 2005, The Student Loan integrates a wide array of musical styles and backgrounds. A formally trained composer, percussionist, and violinist, West Virginian mandolinist Chad Kimbler blazes a trail of furious picking. Guitarist, fiddler, and vocalist Liz Chibucos, an Ohio native and avid songwriter, brings to the table a wealth of jazz, classical, world and rock influences. Banjo player, vocalist, and guitarist Mark Gerolami of upstate New York draws upon a rich background of folk, western, and world music. Seasoned rock, gospel, and jazz bassist, Tacoma, Washington native Julio Appling lays down a creative and solid foundation, and holds his own as a soloist.

The Student Loan released their first album, “Wake Up to The Student Loan” in 2006 and followed up with their sophomore effort, “A New and Different Life,” in 2008. Their most recent album, “No Host Lunch” was released in the summer of 2011. With original songs and a vast library of covers from groups as diverse as The Beatles, Bill Monroe, Rage Against the Machine, Afroman, Phish and The Grateful Dead, The Student Loan will please just about any audience.

Portland, OR fans can see The Student Loan quite often as they appear regularly at the White Eagle Saloon doing a special early all ages happy hour.

The Travelin’ McCourys do not stand still. They are on the road—and online—entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. It’s always different, always exciting, and always great music.

No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work—a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenating.

They can push forward so far because their roots are so deep. The band has a confidence that only comes with having paid their dues with twenty years on the bluegrass road. Other groups and new fans hear this immediately—the tight rhythm, the soulful material, and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters.

Ronnie says, “We like to go in and play traditional bluegrass music the way we do it with Dad, but we also like to be able to step into situations where we can really stretch out. If we need to plug in, we’ll plug in. We’re open to anything.”

It’s that attitude, backed up by talent, that marks great musicians, traditional or progressive. The Travelin’ McCourys are twenty-first century musical pilgrims and adventurers. They’re onto something new, just like Bill Monroe was in the 1940s, but now we can see and hear that adventure live or online. Go see them, or—if you hold still long enough—they’ll come to you.

Peter Rowan was one of the major cult bluegrass artists of the ’80s, winning a devoted, international fan base through his independent records and constant touring. A skilled singer/songwriter, Rowan also yodeled, and played numerous stringed instruments and the saxophone. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts; his parents and many of his relatives were musicians, and it seemed only natural that Rowan too would become one. When he was a teenager, he frequently hung out at the Hillbilly Ranch, where he heard such bluegrass and old-time bands as the Lilly Brothers. He also enjoyed listening to the blues.

Rowan formed the Tex-Mex band the Cupids while he was in high school. The group became a popular New England attraction and independently released a single. After college, he decided to become a professional musician, and in 1963 joined the Cambridge-based Mother Bay State Entertainers as a mandolin player and singer, appearing on their LP The String Band Project. In 1964, after performing with Jim Rooney and Bill Keith, Rowan became a rhythm guitarist and lead singer with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys. He remained with them through 1967, leaving to join mandolinist David Grisman in the folk-rock band Earth Opera. The group recorded a couple of albums and toured (frequently opening for the Doors) until the early ’70s. One of their albums, The Great Eagle Tragedy (1969) produced a minor hit single, “Home to You.”

While with Monroe and Earth Opera, Rowan began to write and co-write songs, some of which were used in both bands. After leaving Earth Opera, he became a part of Seatrain, a rock-fusion unit whose records were produced by George Martin. Rowan left the band in 1972 to form the Rowan Brothers with siblings Chris and Lorin, and recorded one eponymous album. After the group disbanded, Rowan then recorded Old & In The Way with Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements and John Kahn. In 1974, Rowan, Grisman, Clarence White and Richard Greene formed Muleskinner, a bluegrass band. Muleskinner released one album and then disbanded. He then reunited the Rowan Brothers, who this time played together until the early ’80s. Meanwhile, Rowan also began playing rock and bluegrass with Mexican Airforce, which featured accordion player Flaco Jimenez. In the mid- ’80s, he and Jiminez again reteamed to record Flaco Jiminez and Peter Rowan: Live Rockin’ Tex-Mex. He founded the Nashville-based Wild Stallions in 1983, and throughout the ’80s and ’90s continued to work with a variety of musicians and tour as a solo act.
-Sandra Brennan, Pollstar

To hear these three musicians from far flung places collaborate is to take in three souls, listening and greeting one another in a universal language – seamlessly interweaving two continents and three bright musical sensibilities. The blend of kamale ngoni (the hunter’s harp) with six string guitar, percussion, fiddle, mandolin and singing – is uncommon and familiar while traditional and innovative – all at the same time. This new “Afromericana” project places each of these respected N. CA based artists in a new sound of common ground.

Joe Craven

Award winning creativity educator, former museum curator, actor, festival emcee, Director of RiverTunes Music Camp and Co-Director of Wintergrass Youth Academy, multi-instrumentalist Joe Craven’s love of performing music has put him in many musical genres and alongside many musicians, from Jerry Garcia, Yo-Yo Ma, David Lindley and Jason Marsalis, to fusion banjoist Alison Brown and groups such as The Persuasions, Psychograss and The Horseflies. For 17 years, he was percussionist/ violinist with mandolinist David Grisman. With presenting workshops and lectures in Costa Rica, to thousands of school kids in Scotland, from house concerts to major festivals and from Carnegie Hall to busking at Cannery Row – Joe’s at home and loving every minute.

“Joe Craven is Magical.”
~ San Francisco Chronicle

Mamadou Sidibe

Master kamale ngoni player, Mamadou Sidibe is from the Wassoulou Region of Mali, West Africa. Twenty-five years ago Mamadou played a groundbreaking role in transforming the music of this region from it’s origins in hunters’ sacred melodies- -played on six string donso ngoni (hunter’s harps)– to a music of philosophical observations, politics and daily life. Mamadou was one of the first to expand the instrument’s range with two extra strings, creating the popular kamale ngoni. He has recently enhanced the kamale ngoni even further, by creating 10 and 12 string kamale ngoni. Mamadou, with artists Coumba Sidibe, Oumou Sangare and Ramatu Diakite, spread the new sounds through recordings and performances in Europe, Africa and the United States. Not only is Mamadou an award winning musician and master of the kamale ngoni, he is accomplished on several other African instruments as well.

“At the center of his music is the same sensibility that you’ll find in Muddy Waters: a sense of music as a tool for the recreation of everyday life into something special, even magical.”
~ Stylus

Walter Strauss

Fingerstyle guitar ace Walter Strauss draws on American roots, world music traditions, and jazz to create a sound uniquely his own. An accomplished composer and lyricist, he has also transposed the intricate music of the kora, a 21-string West African harp, to the guitar to create mind-bending renditions of traditional African melodies. Walter has toured with kora virtuoso and 2010 Grammy winner Mamadou Diabate, and with kamal ngoni (hunters harp) master Mamadou Sidibe, both of Mali. He has recently returned from Mali where he met and played with some of the great West African musicians, and he is currently working on a duo project with Sidiki Diabate, son of the legendary kora master Toumani Diabate.

Singer-songwriter Kevin Brown makes his home in rural Northeastern Washington state, not too far from the farms where two sets of great-grandparents settled a century ago. Living amidst the Ponderosa Pine forests and rivers that spill out of the Selkirk Mountains, it’s not surprising that Landscape and Place play an important part in Kevin’s songs. But the rich natural world of the surroundings is not just a backdrop, but also serves as a metaphor for exploring the landscapes of the heart and soul — faith, family, love, the passage of time, and the interwoven fabric of earth and humanity. There are always more layers to explore in a well-crafted song.

Kevin released his debut album of originals, The County Primaries, in 2010 to quiet critical acclaim. NoDepression.com called it “easily one of the best debut albums of 2010”. For a songwriter coming into a solo career in his late 40s, Brown’s debut album was surprisingly self-assured. Aided by the production of renowned Northwest producer and Dobro wizard Ivan Rosenberg, and featuring some of the Northwest’s most respected acoustic musicians, the many textures of the album highlighted the rich lyrical imagery of Kevin’s songwriting. To further complement the songs, Kevin solicited the artwork of internationally-acclaimed artist Katherine Nelson to do the original cover, a relationship which he has continued for his second album The Beloved Country which is being released in 2012. Kevin’s songs and Katherine’s charcoal drawings form a rich partnership which hearkens back to the pre-digital-era days when album artwork played an important part in the unique personality of a music project.

A lifelong avid music fan, Kevin’s musical influences range far and wide, from the poetry of Texas Songwriters Guy Clark, Eric Taylor and Townes Van Zandt, to the haunting bluegrass sounds of Bill Monroe, Hazel Dickens, and the Stanley Brothers, to the rock and roll of Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and the Rolling Stones that formed the musical backdrop of his teenage years. His Presbyterian Pastor father played Simon & Garfunkel around the house in the late 60’s when Kevin was a child, and Kevin still cites Paul Simon as one of his biggest songwriting influences. An early fascination with jazz has found it’s way back into Kevin’s music on his newest project The Beloved Country which draws on the talents of a few regulars in the thriving Spokane Jazz Scene for the instrumental backbone to the project.

In addition to his songwriting, Kevin is well-known in the Inland Northwest as the host of the popular radio program Front Porch Bluegrass heard weekly on Spokane Public Radio, and as mandolin player in the popular and long-running Rhythm & Bluegrass band Big Red Barn. He has also served for over ten years as the Music Director for The Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival which has grown to become one of the most popular summertime bluegrass festivals in the Northwest. Through these endeavors Kevin has worked with some of the best folk musicians around and has been inspired by a rich legacy of American roots music.

Highway Home is a Christian bluegrass gospel band. We are located in the beautiful Northern Willamette Valley of Oregon. Our music is a mix of well-known gospel songs, as well as bluegrass “standards” with a Christian theme.
Ric Siewert – Mandolin, Guitar, Lead and Harmony Vocals.

Ric’s formative years started out by having to learn the ubiquitous piano. He hated it then, but is sure glad now his parents made him learn. He grew up playing woodwinds and drums in school orchestras. As adolescence crept up, along came electric guitars, rock and roll and garage bands. Somewhere in that mush he stumbled upon the 60’s folk genre, traded in his electric for acoustic, and was swept up. He quickly gravitated to the “Spiritual Music” part of the folk era and found a comfort in the words and messages. In the ensuing years, he discovered the beauty of the mandolin and, being a woodworker, decided to build his own. It naturally followed that he became involved in bluegrass music and in particular, gospel bluegrass. He’s been a worship leader in his church since being born again in 1992 and regularly plays bass and mandolin on the worship team. Ric was a founding member of the Oregon Bluegrass Association and has worked with them ever since. He says “I feel immensely blessed that the Lord has brought me to this place in my life and musical career. Now it’s my desire to give some of it back as best I can”.

Ed Fegles – Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar; Lead and Harmony Vocals.

Ed calls home his small family farm outside of Newberg, Oregon. He started playing ukelele and singing on the back porch with his father at age 5 and from that time on has been a devoted musician. After a number of years playing electric guitar, he met a family that played the simple blend of acoustic instruments we call “bluegrass” on Saturday nights around the home fireplace. Wonderful old songs and gospel tunes by Bill Monroe, The Carter Family and Flat and Scruggs became a new inspiration and musical direction. Ed has been leading worship including a mix of both modern choruses and old favorite hymns at churches for many years. He is constantly working on various old time musical styles and brings a wonderful versatility to Highway Home’s blend of music and presentation.

Rachael Smith – Fiddle, Mandolin and Harmony Vocals.

Without a doubt, Rachael is a delightful fiddle player. Her emphasis is on Bluegrass, Old Time and Scottish fiddling styles, as well as being an accomplished classical violinist. Rachael started playing the cello in third grade and at age 11 took up the fiddle and mandolin. Her talent led to competition and in 2012 she won a National Championship as a Scottish Fiddler in her division. Residing in St. Paul, Oregon, Rachael loves working on her family’s small organic foods farm. If the weather is nice, you just might find her out among the goat herd playing music to them. When not playing music, Rachael loves training and riding her Norwegian Fjord horse or training and showing her obedience German Shepard dog. And, to the delight of the band, she’s a wonderful gourmet cook and pastry baker.

Glenn Riha – Guitar, Bass, Lead and Harmony Vocals.

Glenn hails from McMinnville, Oregon. His love of the “wood and steel” began in his childhood and grew as he lived through the music of early rock and roll, folk and country. But as an adult, it is traditional bluegrass and gospel music that helps to preserve the spirit of worship and family in his life. He can be found serving the Kingdom with his gift of music, from traditional church worship teams to backyards. His most influential guitarist is Doc Watson (of course), and favorite vocal group is Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver (harmonies like no other).

Randy James – Bass, Harmony vocals

Like so many others, Randy’s musical history goes back to grade school where he learned to play his dad’s trumpet in school bands. He later played baritone through high school into college where he also participated in a brass choir at various events throughout the Northwest. He’s been attending church as long as he can remember and has fond memories of singing gospel hymns in his little country church. After college, he gravitated to participating in various church worship teams and began playing bass guitar and has been doing so ever since. As he aptly puts it: “Something magical happens when a group of musicians play, united in time, key, and rhythm that can’t be duplicated individually. Highway Home is a unique opportunity for me to blend my love of bluegrass music, play with a group of talented musicians, and relate to my roots singing gospel hymns as a child.”

KENT POWELL – Kent is a true veteran to the Northwest bluegrass scene and brings his experience to North Country. He has been a member in some of the most popular and established Northwest bands, such as Crossfire and Runaway Train, in which he has been a member since 2005. Kent holds down the drive and groove of the band with his rock solid bass playing and can sing any part needed. His powerful voice and harmony singing add an incredible dynamic to the band. Kent makes his home in Tacoma, Washington.

NICK DUMAS – Nick is one of the most popular musicians among the Northwest bluegrass scene and probably one of the best mandolin and fiddle players you will find on the west coast. Growing up in Brier, Washington, Nick was heavily influenced by his grandfather, who is a great dobro player, and mother, who is a talented singer and songwriter. After a few years with his family band The Three Generations, Nick went on and helped form Northern Departure, a high powered and very talented Northwest bluegrass band. With a voice that keeps getting better, Nick has a wide range with his lead vocals and can sing the harmony parts as good as anyone you can find. His powerful mandolin chop and dynamics help establish the energy of the band. Some of Nicks influences include Adam Steffey, Sierra Hull, Dan Tyminski, Shawn Lane, Jim VanCleve, Andy Leftwich, Michael Cleveland, The Boxcars, The Chapmans, Rhonda Vincent, Dailey & Vincent, and MANY more!

WILL MCSEVENEY- Its hard to be considered bluegrass without the presence of Scruggs Style 5-string banjo, and fortunately for us, Will delivers just that to North Country… And then some! Currently making his home in Kirkland Wa., Will is fast becoming one of the most prominant banjo players, young or old, in the Northwest bluegrass scene today. Will’s powerful command of the instrument, and awareness of timing and taste have made him a valuable asset in our future endeavours. Drawing influence from such key figures as Terry Baucom, Ron Stewart, Jim Mills, and las but not least, the great Earl Scruggs, it is plain to see that Will plays banjo in pursuit of one purpose…. DRIVE! Not to mention his solidity on rythym guitar! While well root ed in tradition, Will also has an equitable appreciation for the modern bluegrass scene. With modern day idols like The Boxcars, Lonesome River Band, Newfound Road, and Balsam Range, Will can deliver a tastefully fresh spin on tradition.

NORM OLSEN – From South Bend, Washington, Norm is a killer guitar player who gets great tone out of his lead breaks and plays mean, dynamic rythym. Born and raised in South Bend, Norm works with his father managing their family oyster farm, Olsen and Son Oyster co. inc., and enjoys hunting, fishing and playing music as his hobbies. Norm lays down outrageous lead solos that emulate some of flatpicking guitar’s finest influences, such as Doc Watson, Bryan Sutton, and Tony Rice, while incorporating fast, jaw dropping licks that will make you shake your head. It is also scary to think that he is just as good on the banjo as he is on guitar. Some of Norm’s other influences include Cody Kilby, Flatt and Scruggs, Randy Travis, Dan Tyminski, Don Stone, Ron Stewart, Jim Mills, Sonny Osborne, Jens Kruger, The Boxcars, and Many more to name.
STEPHEN BURWELL – From the small city of Maple Valley, Stephen brings you a rich tone and drive with his fiddling. He is known throughout the Northwest for his improvisation and execution of complexity in his music. Playing for around nine years, he has created his own sound and technique, learning from Texas, bluegrass, and progressive bluegrass style musicians. He is always striving to improve his technique and raise the standard for fiddling. Stephen was invited to perform on stage with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Kenny & Amanda Smith on more than one occasion. In 2011, Dale Adkins engineered a demo CD for Stephen that included his fellow band member, Nick Dumas, the illustrious Kenny Smith, and other musicians. Stephen’s main inspirations are Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, Aubrey Haynie, Andy Leftwich, Jim VanCleve, Sam Bush, LRB, Alison Krauss & US, Coldplay, Mutemath, and so many more. Besides fiddling, he enjoys playing the mandolin and a little guitar. Stephen has now taken up recording engineering and production, and has co-engineered and produced his first album with his great friend, James Meyers.